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The Sydney Trains H set or OSCAR (Outer Suburban CAR) is a class of electric multiple unit operated by Sydney Trains on their intercity lines and a small number of Sydney suburban routes.
Delivery[]
The cars were constructed by United Group Rail (UGL) in Broadmeadow, NSW. The initial order for 41 cars was placed in February 2003, with an additional order for 81 cars in April 2005, then a final order of 72 cars in March 2009 (which was later increased to 74, then 99 cars). The sets entered service between 15 December 2006 and December 2012.
Services[]
The sets initially ran on the South Coast Line, freeing up G sets to provide extra peak services on other intercity lines and eventually be converted into suburban trains. They entered service on the Central Coast Line in 2008. They operated on the Epping to Chatswood Rail Link in 2009 prior to its integration with the rest of the network. Prior to the November 2017 timetable, one set ran on the Blue Mountains line on the peak Springwood service.
They currently run on the following lines in both 4 and 8 car configurations:
Highly limited stops to Lithgow- Mainly all-stops services, but occasionally express services as well, especially on weekends
- Stops from Sydney-Kiama services and local Waterfall-Port Kembla services
- Services continuing to/from the Central Coast to Blacktown (Peak hours only)
- Selected Bondi Junction-Hurstville services (Peak hours only)
- Limited stops from Hornsby to Gordon (Peak hours only)
H sets were originally based at Eveleigh Maintenance Centre, but due to the centre being currently reserved for the forthcoming D sets while the new Kangy Angy Maintenance Centre is built, H sets are currently being maintained at Hornsby and Mortdale depots for the time being. Like the M sets (which are temporarily based at Auburn for the same reason), they still retain their green target plates.
Future[]
As the Mariyung sets (D sets) enter service in the near future, OSCARs will be progressively transferred onto suburban duties, allowing the K sets to be withdrawn. OSCARs will likely undergo the same conversion as the G sets previously did, such as having the toilets and quiet carriage labels removed (as quiet carriages are not needed on suburban trains), and the NSW TrainLink logo on the driving trailer cars being replaced with the Sydney Trains logo. Much like the G to T set conversion, carriage numbers will also likely be recoded, with the OD/ON/ONL prefixes being replaced by the appropriate D or N prefix while retaining their current numbers. there is also a high chance that the sets will be modernised/refurbishment with new lighting, flooring and new passenger information displays.
Design[]
The H set is within the same generation as the suburban Millennium M set but is more suited for longer distances on interurban lines. The layout and features of the OSCars are similar to their predecessor - the Tangara G sets.
They feature external destination boards, internal destination boards displaying stopping patterns and automated announcements. The OSCARs also have additional features to increase comfort on the longer journeys they operate. These include high back seating covered with durable, vandal proof woollen moquette fabric with padded head-rests, retractable footrests, luggage racks and a wheelchair-accessible toilet. Wheelchair seating is available in the vestibules, while 3x2 seating is provided in the upper and lower deck sections. Toilets and entire carriages can be remotely locked off from the guard's compartment. This feature is used to lock the toilets during suburban running, as they are not required.
The OSCARs also include several new safety features. The doors on older rolling stock such as V sets are all unlocked at every station (even on short platforms). However on the H set, the guard is able to select the number of doors to be opened at a station. The doors also do not automatically open at short platforms. Passengers have to push a green button on the door to open it.
The H sets have been fitted with Dellner Type 10 automatic couplers, compatible with the M Sets and the new Hunter Railcars (J Sets). They are able to absorb the impact of a collision, and the anti-climbers on the H Sets will also reduce the force of impact. The trains also have a different body design. Instead of the entire body being of the same design, such as the Tangara, the driver's cab is built like a protective cage, made of fibreglass and supported by a box section steel frame, which stretches to the end of the guard's door. The rest of the train is made from conventional stainless steel.
The trains have recently been retrofitted with ATP (automatic train protection) equipment.
In 2019, set H55 received an Aboriginal decal as part of promotion of the rugby league Koori Knockout. The decal also has the caption "Bring the mob home safely" written on it.
Numbering[]
Each four car set is made up of three different types of carriages:
- OD = Outer suburban Driving car: 102 seats
- ON = Outer suburban Non-Control motor: 118 seats
- ONL = Outer suburban Non-Control motor with Lavatory: 110 seats
in this configuration: OD-ONL-ON-OD.
Sets are numbered as follows (where n is the set number):
- Sets H1-10: OD69(n*2-1), ONL59(n+50), ON59(n), OD69(n*2)
- Sets H11-48: OD69(n*2+1), ONL59(n+50), ON59(n), OD69(n*2+2)
- Set H49: OD6921, ONL5999, ON5949, OD6922
- Sets H50-55: OD69(n*2-57), ONL58(n+21), ON58(n-29), OD69(n*2-56)
External Links[]
Gallery[]
